CollegeHipHop.com Staff – CollegeHipHophttps://collegehiphop.com
Covering college and hip-hop happenings with an obsession.Wed, 27 Nov 2019 20:43:07 +0000en-US
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3232165719282Who’s Better: LA with AD & LBJ or Houston with Westbrook & Harden?https://collegehiphop.com/2019/11/27/whos-better-la-with-ad-lbj-or-houston-with-westbrook-harden/
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 19:42:54 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34701Reunited and it feels so good! Russell Westbrook and James Harden are together at last. Some people are saying that the Houston Rockets adding Russell Westbrook to the roster was not a good move … not like Lebron James lobbying for Anthony Davis. But, James Harden asked for it … and got his request. A lot of people thought that he would know his role going into the Rockets and playing beside one of the best shooters in the game. They thought he would spend all summer in the gym and up his 3-point percentage. Well … he’s still bad at shooting the ball. So are the Rockets better off with Westbrook instead of CP3 … Um … no. But at least there is an element of kamikaze attacks down the lane that Houston didn’t have before. However, teams are now utilizing double-teams on James Harden. In seasons past, with Gordon and Chirs Paul on the floor, this was a risky move. If you pulled a guard or say small forward who was guarding the wing off to double-team James Harden you exposed yourself to leaving Gordon or CP3 open … which is not wise because both of those guys can knock down the shot. With Westbrook on the floor, teams will dare him to take the shot, so double-teaming or even boxing Harden is suddenly a sound defensive strategy. This could also create a lot of problems for the Rockets in the postseason, especially against sound defensive teams like the Clippers and Lakers, who are favorites at online betting sites to win it all.

The three-game losing streak – as of Tuesday evening– is proof of this. So can the Houston Rockets win the west?

Not without a great shooter to accompany Harden and Westbrook; they drastically need Eric Gordon back. He’s undergoing knee surgery and is supposed to only miss six weeks more … hopefully, he can make it back and be recovered enough to pair alongside Harden. Maybe if the Rockets can make the playoffs without him, and give him plenty of time to rest and recover, he can go into the postseason and really help they Rockets blast off.

As far as the right now is concerned, Westbrook and Harden duo is not better than the Anthony Davis and Lebron duo. Right now, Lebron is averaging 25.6 points per game while Anthony Davis is averaging 25.1. So they combine for just over 50 points per game. Westbrook is averaging 22.2 while Harden is averaging 37.9 per game. So they combine for 60.1 per game … but AD and LBJ don’t have a blaring defensive solution when they are both on the floor together. As a team, a unit, the pairing of Anthony Davis and Lebron James makes a lot more sense. Especially on defense. The Lakers are all-around much better at stopping other teams from scoring … despite Russell’s 1.5 steals per game. The Rockets rank 20th in the league in home defense and 23rd in the league in overall defense. Meanwhile, the LA Lakers overall scoring defense is No. 3 in the league. That alone is one factor that makes the Lakers much more likely to win the west.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook are both amazing offensive player – with Harden being the more well-rounded of the two. However, both a middling at best when it comes to their defensive presence. Imagine if they only allowed 97 points per game at home, like the Lakers. They would be unstoppable. But instead, they allow 113 per game while playing in Houston and 115 on average – meaning their road defense allows around 117 (I don’t have that stat in front of me but the math is pretty simple).

I don’t think that the defense will be too much better with Eric Gordon back … but the offensive dynamic could be great for Houston, heck … just having another primary ball-handler that can hold it down and give Harden a rest. He played 41 and 42 minutes in each of his last two games and is averaging nearly 38 minutes per game this season.

For now, though, the verdict is the LA has the better duo. Although comparing the combination of a Forward and a PF/Center to two Guards is a bit unfair.

Russell Westbrook is all about the students. He just launched The Westbrook/Brownstein Green Tech Program

The WBGTi is a program that will provide digital job skills to at-risk young adults in the Corps and break down the digital divide by providing skill training for green tech job opportunities to 500 Corpsmembers in Los Angeles.

The initiative is steered by a partnership between LA native and NBA superstar Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation and LA philanthropist Chad Brownstein.

The program will provide digital job skills to at-risk young adults in the Corps and break down the digital divide by providing skill training for green tech job opportunities to 500 Corpsmembers in Los Angeles.

The Westbrook/Brownstein Green Tech Program will expose Corpsmembers to achievable career paths and provide technology related tools and education.

The program will include classes that train students in computer literacy and introduce marketable skills like coding, drone piloting, and computer engineering.

“As a kid who grew up here in LA, I know how important it is to feel supported and empowered by the community. By helping to provide these resources my hope is that the youth will be able to see how bright their future can be and expand the vision of what they think they’re capable of.” – Russell Westbrook.

The partnership will also fund the second pillar, the Westbrook/Brownstein Green Futures Lab, where new computers and necessary equipment for intro classes will be installed.

The third core initiative is the advanced drone piloting career path program.

It will be the be the creation of a quarterly advanced training program designed to position students to enter the game-changing career path of drone maintenance and piloting.

An initial donation will be facilitated by Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation and Chad Brownstein; with their robust network and partners, they will continue to fundraise for additional programming.

Russell Westbrook, a UCLA alumnus and Los Angeles native has always been passionate about empowering children in underserved communities.

The mission of the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation is to inspire the lives of children, empower them to ask, “Why Not?” and teach them to never give up.

The foundation works to help children that are facing hardships of any kind, and when faced with that adversity, fight to succeed and to never give up.

Russell Westbrook and his brother were taught to ask, “Why Not?” every time they were told they could not do something.

It is this encouragement and strength that Russell and his family want to spread to children across the country.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/10/12/russell-westbrook-launches-tech-lab-for-students/feed/034135Shaq Has A New Hustle As Co-owner Of World’s First Coffee Shothttps://collegehiphop.com/2019/10/08/shaq-has-a-new-hustle-as-co-owner-of-worlds-first-coffee-shot/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/10/08/shaq-has-a-new-hustle-as-co-owner-of-worlds-first-coffee-shot/#respondTue, 08 Oct 2019 13:00:18 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34129FORTO Coffee, maker of the World’s 1st Coffee Shot and America’s #1 Organic Ready-to-Drink Coffee has linked with Hall of Famer and businessman Shaquille O’Neal, who is the new a co-owner of the company and the new face of the FORTO brand.

The alignment with Shaq, coupled with a $20 million investment last year, including $15 million invested by Keurig Dr Pepper, puts FORTO on the path to become a household name in coffee.

“I can enjoy a FORTO Coffee Shot anytime, anywhere. Plus, it’s organic, tastes great, and best of all, it fits in my pocket. These coffee shots have given me the energy to stay active and I’m excited to be at the forefront of the future of coffee.” – Shaquille O’Neal

As FORTO’s global ambassador, Shaq will headline the brand’s multi-channel marketing campaign, which launches across TV, out of home, in-store, digital and social media in the coming year.

Shaq has had unprecedented success as an investor, business owner and entrepreneur.

FORTO Coffee Shots are the perfect fit for Shaq’s busy lifestyle, providing him with fast-acting and great-tasting energy that lasts all day long.

FORTO Coffee Shots are available in more than 50,000 retail locations nationwide, as well as online on Amazon and at http://www.FORTOcoffee.com.

The two NFL players join a growing list of pro athlete gamers, including 2019 NBA first-round draft picks PJ Washington and Kevin Porter Jr. and NBA star Josh Hart of the New Orleans Pelicans, who have teamed-up with Turtle Beach to provide all their gaming equipment needs.

Whether they’re training and competing at the highest level against the best football players or gamers in the nation, Ingram and Rochell deserve the best equipment and Turtle Beach delivers on all their gaming needs.

“The competitive instincts that define the style of both players are exactly what we look for in our athlete partners as we continue to expand our influential roster of gamers who are built to win on and off the field.” – Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach.

Ingram was a South Carolina defensive standout and this year he begins his 8th season with the Los Angeles Chargers, and he is also a two-time Pro Bowler.

Off the field, Ingram is also a dedicated rap artist, performing as Supa Mel, and he’s established the nonprofit foundation “Mission Possible” which provides educational resources for low-income children.

Rochell’s college career was spent at Notre Dame and he was drafted in 2017 by the Los Angeles Chargers as a Defensive End.

Recently, Rochell took a public stand on the problems with social media and its impact on today’s youth.

As such, he began championing the movement #SeeYouOnSunday, which urges social media users to put down their phones on Saturdays and go enjoy life.

Through this partnership with Turtle Beach, facilitated through an extended strategic partnership with Roc Nation and Roc Nation Sports, Ingram and Rochell will step-up their gaming with the highly-acclaimed Elite Pro 2 + SuperAmp Pro Performance Gaming Audio System.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/10/07/roc-nation-gets-aggressive-in-the-gaming-world-with-turtle-beach-partnership/feed/034132Foodies Unite: Broccoli City Announces Food & Grooves Experiencehttps://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/26/foodies-unite-broccoli-city-announces-food-grooves-experience/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/26/foodies-unite-broccoli-city-announces-food-grooves-experience/#respondThu, 26 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34134Food lovers and music enthusiasts have a new date to add to their calendar.

Broccoli City, Live Nation Urban and The James Beard Foundation have announced the debut of Food & Grooves.

“Broccoli City Weekend has been a staple in the community for the last seven years; bringing together thousands of millennials, chart-topping performers, corporate sponsors and non-profit partners looking to have a great time while making a difference in their community.” – Brandon McEachern, Co- Founder of Broccoli City Festival.

There will also be a live recording of the Questlove Supreme podcast featuring a discussion between QuestLove and James Beard Award Winning Author Chef Kwame Onuwachi (Kith & Kin).

Rounding out the program will be sounds by Teedra Moses, Tank and the Bangas, Black Alley Band, DJ Domo, DJ Jhasonic and a special presentation of R&B Only by Jabari and Dauche.

“In order to continue growing with our fans we’ve partnered with Live Nation Urban to develop a series of live, boutique experiences that are culturally relevant and cut through the noise of the entertainment industry. With Food & Grooves in particular, our goal is to highlight the talents of diverse, underrepresented chefs, mixologists and purveyors of the culinary industry who are not only fueling future generations through food but those who are also utilizing their craft to move the culture forward.”

Acclaimed national chefs and panelists participating in “Food Talks” curated by The James Beard Foundation include: JJ Johnson, Therese Nelson, David Thomas, Darryl Perkins and many others.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/26/foodies-unite-broccoli-city-announces-food-grooves-experience/feed/034134Chronic Email Checking Disorder: Do You Have It?https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/25/chronic-email-checking-disorder-do-you-have-it/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/25/chronic-email-checking-disorder-do-you-have-it/#respondWed, 25 Sep 2019 15:30:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34124Marketcircle, developers of the popular Mac CRM, Daylite, surveyed entrepreneurs about their work and email habits and found that 78% of entrepreneurs have Chronic Email-Checking Disorder.

Included in the report is a quiz for entrepreneurs to take and compare themselves to others.

Marketcircle, developers of the popular small business CRM, Daylite, surveyed entrepreneurs and recently published a report concluding that a majority of entrepreneurs – 78% to be exact – have Chronic Email-Checking Disorder.

The company surveyed entrepreneurs about their work habits and email habits, including how many hours on average entrepreneurs work per week, how many emails they get in a day on average, their stress levels, as well as how often and where they check their email.

The findings proved to be quite interesting:

78% of entrepreneurs have Chronic Email-Checking Disorder.

These entrepreneurs check their work email throughout the entire day, compared to a minority of entrepreneurs that schedule specific time in their day to check their email, like the 13% that said they check their email first thing in the morning.

A staggering 87% of entrepreneurs said they regularly check work email while on vacation.

Another interesting finding was that 76% of entrepreneurs surveyed have Obsessive Working Disorder, regularly exceeding 40 hours a week.

The bulk of entrepreneurs surveyed (58%) said they work 41-60 hours per week, 14% work 61-80 hours per week, and 4% said they regularly exceed 80 hours per week.

The mission is to give talented young design students—regardless of socioeconomic background—an opportunity to learn from the industry’s best, without financial barriers, and to provide the industry with a farm system for the next generation of footwear designers.

The experience and visibility provided by the No 1 Way competition will foster diversity of talent and champion the idea of creative individuality.

Edwards and his accomplished roster of academy instructors will lead the competition, providing mentorship and guidance to the students throughout the process.

Five finalists will be selected for a three-week PENSOLE Master Class that will support these rising stars and help bring their creative ideas to life as market-ready, apparel-focused capsule collections.

“The No 1 Way Design Program underscores the need to grow and foster diversity and creativity in our industry. We have chosen to work with HBCU students in order to celebrate the creative energy of this community and develop a platform to foster and express their individuality.” – D’Wayne Edwards

The Master Class will have the chance to showcase its designs during New York Fashion Week in February, with cash prizes going to the top three finalists.

A final winner will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges and the winning No 1 Way collection will be produced and sold in Footaction stores nationwide.

Through the No 1 Way platform, Footaction will create an open stage for all creators to share their stories and style through their unique lens.

Beyond the design competition – and launching in the coming months – Footaction will also introduce retail and pop-up activations, creative workshops, digital and social content programs, and branded collaborations, which will all speak to the creative and style-conscious community Footaction serves.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/24/pensole-academy-links-with-footaction-for-hbcu-masterclass/feed/034123L.A. Fashion Week Will Become More Experiential This Yearhttps://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/20/l-a-fashion-week-will-become-more-experiential-this-year/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/20/l-a-fashion-week-will-become-more-experiential-this-year/#respondFri, 20 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34127LA Fashion Week (LAFW) will be hosting its 2019 shows this October 8th – 12th at the Petersen Automotive Museum, one of the world’s premier car museums and historical landmarks in Los Angeles.

This season they’ve partnered with United Airways, Swarovski, Moss Adams, Essentia Water, Fashion TV, and more showcasing over 20 award-winning designers and artists from Europe and Asia, featuring their latest collections.

“LA’s become the streetwear & red-carpet fashion capital of the world. As part of this cultural renaissance we’re excited to be leaders behind this movement into a premier hub for fashion, art, design and entertainment; that’s why we’ve designed the shows to become more experiential than ever before.” – Arthur Chipman, Executive Producer of LAFW.

Kicking off this season, world renowned Julien Macdonald, dubbed the “Ultimate Glam Designer” by Elle Magazine, is opening the shows.

His impressive bio includes working as the creative director for Chanel under the late Karl Lagerfeld and replacing Alexander McQueen at Givenchy.

In the last year, Julien’s namesake label was worn by notable celebrities worldwide.

The Royal Thai consulate in LA is debuting their country’s top design talents Landmee official, Salisa Official, Kanapot Aunsorn and Renim Project.

With trendy labels, strategic partners, influential guests, and over 2.5 billion digital impressions per season, LAFW has grown into an established high-profile event in Los Angeles focusing on increasing the profile of West Coast Fashion.

This season brings in partnerships with Spring Place, Soho House, and Fresh Wata, with more to be added.

LAFW has been proclaimed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and California State Senator Ben Allen as the Official Fashion Week for the City of Los Angeles.

A conscious leader holds themselves accountable for understanding what the employee needs to provide the best performance possible.

Create an environment of safety

Employees will be more likely to tell their boss what they need instead of slipping into a more fear-based state of mind.

Set clear expectations

Conversations with superiors are often difficult for employees because they themselves are not self-aware. Perhaps they have little idea what is required of them because expectations were not made clear.

Model the accountability you want to see

We are responsible for our reactions, thoughts, and deeds. When we remain accountable for what is showing up for us, we act from the most powerful place within us.

By: Tom Eddington

Tom has worked three decades in business as a consultant, educator, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor. He is a student and teacher of board, leadership, and organization effectiveness – focusing on how they grow, achieve, and sustain effectiveness while remaining stewards for their stakeholders.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/12/heres-how-you-can-be-a-conscious-leader/feed/034139Kevin Gates Explains How To “Cleanse” Your Hearthttps://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/11/kevin-gates-explains-how-to-cleanse-your-heart/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/11/kevin-gates-explains-how-to-cleanse-your-heart/#respondWed, 11 Sep 2019 12:12:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34043Bread Winners Association recording artist Kevin Gates continues the rollout of his highly-anticipated new album I’M HIM with the release of his song “Facts.”

The high-energy track’s companion video, directed by Chandler Lass, features a shirtless Gates in the best shape of his life, cruising through the streets and screening candidates for his organization.

“It’s just me venting about everything. It’s all facts. Sometimes, venting is the best thing you can do to cleanse your heart. I’m not going to let the pain from my past affect my future. You need to let go of unresolved grief. Don’t keep it all bottled inside.” – Kevin Gates

“Facts” is the second new track confirmed to be on Gates’ hugely-anticipated new album I’M HIM, slated for release later this year.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/11/kevin-gates-explains-how-to-cleanse-your-heart/feed/034043FAMU Jumps Into The Hemp Business With New Partnershipshttps://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/10/famu-jumps-into-the-hemp-business-with-new-partnerships/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/10/famu-jumps-into-the-hemp-business-with-new-partnerships/#respondTue, 10 Sep 2019 14:00:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34047Florida A&M University (FAMU) has obtained its first two planting permits as part of its public-private partnerships with Sunshine Hemp and Green Earth Cannaceuticals, two of three companies with which the University has signed contracts for the research of industrial hemp.

The move comes as the University has finalized a contract with Future Farm Technologies of British Columbia, Canada, the third of three companies approved by the FAMU Board of Trustees in January 2019.

“Like our Medical Marijuana Educational and Research Initiative, our industrial hemp partnerships offer Florida A&M University an opportunity for education, research and innovation in a fledgling industry,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Our outstanding students, faculty and staff will contribute to the success of this initiative, which will benefit our industry partners along with Florida farmers and citizens.”

FAMU obtained its first planting permit for Sunshine Hemp of St. Cloud, Fla., from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) on July 15, 2019.

The permit allows the company to cultivate, test and produce certified hemp seeds acclimated to Florida’s climate and soil. The company also plans to create mechanized harvest equipment along with crop drying and stabilizing biomass storage.

“We’re in business, This is a giant step forward.” – Charles Weatherford, Ph.D., FAMU’s Interim Associate Vice President For Research.

One of five planting permits for Green Earth of Newberry, Fla., has also just been approved by FDACS. Under its agreement with FAMU, Green Earth will investigate Hemp’s potential as an invasive species in Florida.

THC produces euphoria, but hemp has less than 3 percent THC and does not produce a high. Green Earth will also identify hemp plant varieties capable of thriving in various Florida environments and will develop management practices to make hemp production commercially viable.

In its partnership with FAMU, Future Farm Technologies has proposed to conduct soil analysis in association with University staff.

Farm Future Technologies will begin seed germination at the company’s Apopka greenhouse then move the crop to FAMU’s Quincy facility.

A public outreach program will be conducted with FAMU staff to market industrial hemp as beneficial and profitable for Florida farmers and growers.

“We are in the process of obtaining additional planting permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” Weatherford said.

The 2018 Farm Bill and the State of Florida hemp legislation cleared the way for FAMU, the University of Florida and other universities to forge ahead with industrial hemp production in partnership with private companies.

Partners are also encouraged to conduct as much research and commercial production as is feasible on FAMU property in Quincy or Brooksville.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/10/famu-jumps-into-the-hemp-business-with-new-partnerships/feed/034047Black & Abroad Recommits to “Go Back to Africa” Campaign in the Midst of Racist Rhetoric in the U.S.https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/06/black-abroad-recommits-to-go-back-to-africa-campaign-in-the-midst-of-racist-rhetoric-in-the-u-s/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/06/black-abroad-recommits-to-go-back-to-africa-campaign-in-the-midst-of-racist-rhetoric-in-the-u-s/#respondFri, 06 Sep 2019 17:00:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34045Black & Abroad, a multi-platform travel and lifestyle company dedicated to redefining world experiences for the modern Black traveler, is finding new meaning this week with their latest campaign “Go Back to Africa” (#GoBackToAfrica) in the midst of controversy over hate-fueled political speech in the U.S.

The phrase “Go back to Africa” has a long, complicated history, and unfortunately, we’ve seen this week how rhetoric is still being used to incite negative and harmful views of a certain group of people.

The goal of the “Go Back to Africa” campaign is to put a positive spin on an often negative and derogatory phrase, and strip the perceived power away from those who use the phrase to promote fear.

Black & Abroad wants to encourage people to turn away from negative stereotypes by transforming them with positive imagery aimed to change the meaning into something beautiful.

The campaign highlights the diversity and magnificence of Africa’s 54 countries by bringing photos posted by African-American travelers on social media to life, using a powerful AI platform designed as a counterpoint to the travel industry’s bias toward Caucasian travelers.

“We’re proud to be changing the conversation during a time of global unrest by showing more diverse pictures of this rich continent and debunking negative myths and stereotypes. We encourage others to get involved and rethink how they’re influencing or reinforcing negative stereotypes instead of positive actions.” – Eric Martin, co-founder of Black & Abroad.

At the heart of the project is an innovative digital platform designed to locate, quality control and gain permissions to use aspirational images of African-Americans traveling in Africa.

The platform, fueled by Google Vision and crafted by FCB/SIX, is an AI-powered content marketing engine purpose-built for the travel and tourism industry.

This campaign was so well-regarded that it recently took home a Cannes Lion Grand Prix.

“This campaign demonstrates that by being creative, we have the ability to effect change and turn something that’s often negative into something that’s beautiful and positive,” says Ian Mackenzie, Chief Creative Officer of FCB/SIX. “We hope the rest of the world will join us in recognizing that language is powerful, and we all have the ability to effect positive change.”

FYG U Festival is a free, on-campus festival for college students and Prime Student members held at multiple college campuses across the nation.

Events include award-winning artist performances held on our TikTok Main Stage, live e-sports tournaments, industry career panels, and technology simulators that encourage students to pursue their passions.

Fall 2019 festival begins with electronic duo Zeds Dead headlining the first show on August 24 at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The series will continue at more campuses throughout the fall with artists including Trippie Redd, PlayboiCarti, PUSHA T, Duke Dumont, Lil Tecca, Whethan and DaniLeigh with even more headliners and support to be announced soon!

FYG is partnering with TikTok, the world’s leading destination for creative expression in mobile video to present the TikTok Main Stage.

In addition, students who attend the festival will get to watch their classmates’ musical talents on the TikTok Discover stage competing for a chance to perform live on the larger TikTok Main stage.

FYG U’s presenting sponsor, Prime Student, will bring multiple experiences centered on music, gaming, tech, and education for students to engage with throughout the festival.

Students can enjoy previewing Amazon Originals at the Prime Video Lounge, learn about cloud computing via AWS Educate Program, and play the latest edition of Madden presented by Twitch Prime.

Prime Student members will also get VIP access to the Prime Student Lounge & our VIP main stage viewing area and enjoy additional festival perks.

Prime Student is a membership designed for college students that offers the best of shopping and entertainment from Amazon.

Students can enjoy Prime Student at 50% off and enjoy exclusive discounts and deals year-round.

The documentary follows a unique rehabilitation effort in a Virginia jail that encourages inmates to write and record original music.

In the jail’s makeshift recording studio, four men collaborate to produce an album with Grammy-winner Todd “Speech” Thomas of Arrested Development.

As the creative process unfolds, these incarcerated artists must confront the traumas of their past, and music becomes the key to unlocking a new chapter in their lives.

Two-time Grammy-winner Speech Thomas is widely considered one of the godfathers of conscious hip-hop.

His band Arrested Development’s 1993 debut album “3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of…” went quadruple platinum and achieved what few thought was possible at the time, establishing an Afrocentric alternative to gangster rap that was commercially viable.

Twenty-five years later, Speech continues to tour the world with his band and seek out opportunities to use music to address issues of social and racial justice.

In 2017, he set out on a journey to the Richmond City Jail, where he conducted music workshops with inmates.

His goal was to shed light on the complex issues in our criminal justice system by bringing the voices and stories of incarcerated people to a larger audience.

Here are some interesting facts in “16 Bars.”

Currently 1 in 35 people in the US are incarcerated.

Today, the United States makes up about 5% of the world’s population and has 21% of the world’s prisoners.

Between 1980 and 2015, the number of people incarcerated in America increased from roughly 500,000 to over 2.2 million.

1 in every 37 adults in the United States, or 2.7% of the adult population, is under some form of correctional supervision.

African Americans and Hispanics made up 64% of the federal and state prison population in 2016, but represented only 32% of the US population.

70% of those released from prison wind up back in prison. This is the very definition of the “recidivism” problem.

That number can drop to 30% when those inmates learn employable skills while incarcerated.

]]>https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/04/speech-of-arrested-development-uses-hip-hop-to-turn-inmates-lives-around/feed/034050Aaron Cole’s Rising Success Is “Not By Chance”https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/03/aaron-coles-rising-success-is-not-by-chance/
https://collegehiphop.com/2019/09/03/aaron-coles-rising-success-is-not-by-chance/#respondTue, 03 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0000https://collegehiphop.com/?p=34042Aaron Cole caught the attention of critics and music fans alike back in 2017 when he garnered two back-to-back #1 singles on the Billboard HOT AC chart.

Tthe 20-year-old just released this first full-length album with Gotee, titled Not By Chance which features 13 dynamic hip-hop tracks appealing to fans of Jon Bellion and Drake.

The record was produced by Chino and Chris King along with with fellow rapper and former Capital Kings member, Cole Walowac who recently produced seven songs on NF’s latest album “The Search.”

Together, they created a masterpiece that infuses pop, hip-hop, and soul together to tell his authentic story of growing up in poverty, working hard for your dreams, and standing tall in your faith.

Not By Chance features special collaborations including Derek Minor, 1K Phew, Chastity, Evan Ford, Kaleb Mitchell, and Montell Fish.

“I am very excited and nervous. I have put so much time, effort, and thought into this project and I’m ready to get it out and see what it’s going to do!” – Aaron Cole

“I hope people who need to hear it, find comfort in it and are inspired to chase their dreams. If God can take a kid from Bristol, VA who came from nothing to having a record deal and going on arena tours, then He can do that for you too,” the rapper said.

Named as “One of 5 Top Gospel Artists to Watch” by Essence Magazine, Cole’s music journey started when he began rapping at just three years old. After dropping six independent projects, the Bristol, VA native was introduced to multi-GRAMMY-award winning producer and artist TobyMac, who took him under his wing.

“My dude Aaron Cole is about to take it all somewhere special,” shares Gotee Records co-founder & C.E.O. TobyMac. “This is the tip of the iceberg and it just goes deeper and wider from here on out.”

Fans were introduced to “FASHO” and “THERE FOR ME” earlier this year and “WHY” will drop digitally on August 2, 2019; all of which are featured on Not By Chance.